Göransson, Carina

Abstract [en]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is a slowly progressive disease, which eventually restricts everyday-life. Patients need education in order to facilitate these symptoms. This study was an evaluation of the strengthening effect on patient empowerment of a nurse-led group-based education programme, grounded on the health belief model, for in-patients with COPD, in relation to conventional patient education. The study was non-randomised with pre-and post-test for the intervention- and conventionalgroup. A questionnaire was constructed consisting of 17 questions divided into four areas: knowledge, self-care, motivation regarding smoking and dietary habits, and experience of how COPD influences everyday-life. The post-test included five additional questions regarding the education methodology. Group education increased knowledge about the diaphragm. Self-care was improved regarding use of the correct breathing technique, recommended breathing technique during exertion and dietary recommendations. Regarding everyday-life, fatigue was reduced. Experimental studies are required in order to generalise the effects of group-base education on patients with COPD.